Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Batman #2Catwoman just made her highly anticipated debut in DC’s Absolute Universe, with a redefined role in from Batman origin. The Absolute Universe has already shaken up the Batman mythos by updating the designs and stories of its classic Gotham rogues. Now, Catwoman is the latest character to receive a major overhaul in Batman’s groundbreaking new continuity.
Absolute Batman #2 by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin and Clayton Cowles delves deeper into Batman’s mysterious past. As a child, following the tragic death of Thomas Wayne at the zoo, Bruce remains distant from his mother and friends as he succumbs to grief. However, a friend manages to talk to him, when a familiar figure walks through Bruce’s window and says: “Get up. You’re coming with me.”
Selina Kyle has officially arrived in the Absolute Universeand her new status as Bruce Wayne’s childhood friend reinvents the classic dynamic between the Bat and the Cat in a major shift in DC lore.
Catwoman joins the Absolute Universe as Batman’s childhood friend
Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne’s bond runs deeper from the start
Batman and Catwoman have always shared a special relationship in DC lore. Their romance has been going on for decades, with the two almost getting married at one point before Selina left Bruce at the altar. Here, the Absolute Universe rewrites its dynamics in a shocking way tracing their connection all the way back to childhood. Catwoman isn’t the only Gotham rogue this Batman grew up with, either; in Absolute Batman #1, it’s confirmed that your classic villains are now your close friends in this continuity. Batman’s bond with Catwoman is deeper than ever, proven when she visits him in his darkest hour.
Catwoman’s redesign for the Absolute Universe stands out because it’s not the costume readers might recognize. Selina still hasn’t come to terms with being Catwoman as a child, even though her outfit hints at her iconic alter ego. The cat ears on her hoodie are a callback to her costume, and the fact that she’s sneaking in through a window alludes to her “cat thief” persona – just as she picks up the gold medal that Bruce threw away and uses it for herself. Just as the images of bats surrounding Bruce Wayne make his fate as Batman inevitable, The cat image here solidifies that Catwoman will eventually arrive in a greater capacity.
The Absolute Catwoman’s current status remains a mystery
Catwoman’s current whereabouts will be revealed soon
Although Catwoman appears in a flashback to Batman’s past, her current whereabouts remain unknown. During a poker game with the rest of the group, Eddie asks if anyone has heard from Selina, and Waylon mentions that he received a postcard from Cairo. The implication here is that Catwoman is traveling the world without being in close contact with Bruce and the others. The rest of the group has remained together since childhood, while Selina is alone. With CatwomanWith her status under wraps for now, readers can expect to see her meet the new Batman face to face as your own vigilante alter ego.
Absolute Batman #2 is now available from DC Comics.